The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has issued the following statement regarding the broadcasting regulatory review process. The statement reads: Through its mandate of public consultation ICASA enters another phase of stakeholder engagement in the quest to review broadcasting regulatory framework towards a digitally converged environment.
This is one of the most important regulatory processes in view of the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting by June 2015.
It is the Authority’s view that this migration will change the television broadcasting landscape in South Africa; and therefore carried out an audit to review previous regulations governing the broadcasting industry to take into account these new technological developments, cultural, economic and social challenges.
The Authority published an Issues Papers for public consultation in December 2011. The purpose of this public consultation was to ensure that all interested members of the South African society across all Provinces take part in this important regulation-making process; and it drew valuable feedback from key stakeholders ranging from, but not limited to, broadcasters, telecommunications operators to civil society organizations. These public consultations culminated in the publication of a Preliminary Report in the Government Gazette on 31 October 2012 following the gathering of information through written submissions, Provincial Workshops and the International Conferences earlier this year.
The Authority is now presenting its preliminary views following much analysis of issues raised by stakeholders for further comments. The purpose of this preliminary report, obtainable from ICASA website, is to outline the regulations that the Authority intends to prioritize towards supporting the 2020 policy vision; and to provide another opportunity for stakeholders to plan together with the Authority and identify regulations that need immediate attention during the next three to five years.
Stakeholders are therefore encouraged to make their written submissions in respect of the preliminary views and to also take part in the Provincial Workshops to be held as per schedule below:
| WORKSHOP DATES | HOST CITY | VENUE |
|---|---|---|
| 19-Nov-12 | BLOEMFONTEIN | Protea Hotel, Bloemfontein Central |
| 21-Nov-12 | MAFIKENG | Protea Hotel Mafikeng Conference Centre |
| 23-Nov-12 | GAUTENG | Block C Presentation Room |
| ICASA Head Office | ||
| 164 Katherine Street | ||
| Sandton | ||
| 27-Nov-12 | UPINGTON | To be confirmed later |
| 29-Nov-12 | KIMBERLY | To be confirmed later |
| 03-Dec-12 | DURBAN | To be confirmed later |
| 05-Dec-12 | EAST LONDON | To be confirmed later |
| 07-Dec-12 | CAPE TOWN | To be confirmed later |
| 11-Dec-12 | POLOKWANE | To be confirmed later |
| 13-Dec-12 | NELSPRUIT | To be confirmed later |
